Before dressing up in your costume this Halloween, be sure to think twice about the products you apply to your skin to avoid a breakout, allergic reaction, rash, or worse.  It is common for dermatologists to see their schedules filled with acne patients the first two weeks after Halloween and often times, Halloween makeup is to blame.  Toledo-area board-certified dermatologist Matthew Molenda, M.D. from Bravia Dermatology recommends that everyone follow these 6 simple tips to protect their skin.

1)      Be wary of cheap costume makeup.   Makeup found at seasonal Halloween or costume stores often contain artificial dyes, waxes, oils and fragrances that can cause terrible skin reactions.  Avoid thick, heavy makeup and instead use thin water-based makeup that allows your skin to breathe through the makeup.  Dr. Molenda recommends you select high quality, hypoallergenic theatrical makeup manufactured by a reputable company.

2)      Test makeup products before putting them on your face.  Reactions can vary from person to person.  Test your products on your arm in advance to determine whether you are particularly sensitive to any ingredients found in your products.  Avoid any products that contain isopropyl myristate.  This common ingredient can cause severe irritation to those with sensitive skin.  In addition, recent studies suggest this product may clog pores, which can lead to breakouts.

3)     Prepare your skin properly.   Thoroughly wash and moisturize your face before applying any makeup.  Make sure your moisturizer is “non-comedogenic.”  To minimize facial breakouts, avoid moisturizers that contain silicones (such as dimethicone), beeswax, lanolin (such as Aquaphor), petrolatum (such as Vaseline), cocoa butter, or mineral oil. These products can trap everything under it, which can lead to breakouts and blackheads.

4)      Follow instructions on product packaging.  Some products are not meant to be used on your face or around your eyes.

5)      Apply as little makeup as possible.  Start with just a little makeup and add more as needed to reduce the possibility of clogged pores.

6)    Remove all makeup before going to bed.  Follow the instructions on how to remove the makeup.  Certain makeup products can be removed with soap and water, while others may require special makeup removing cleansers.  Once your makeup is removed, finish with a high-quality moisturizer.
If you do end up having a reaction to your makeup, be sure to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan.  For more information, visit www.braviaderm.com.